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How to bring ‘Lagom’ into your home

Lifestyle
5 years ago
2 minutes

You’ve heard of hygge — the Danish interior design trend which took the world by storm last Winter. Now, let us introduce you to lagom, the art of ‘not too little, not too much’. Unlike hygge’s cozy layered decorating style and emphasis on lots of candles and blankets, lagom is more refined.

In Swedish, the word lagom means ‘just the right amount’. It’s the Scandi version of minimalism but with more warmth and versatility. The concept of ‘just right’ is subjective, but lagom has some overarching guidelines you can follow. 

A neutral colour palette

These spaces are calm, clean and inviting. It's rare to see a mix of patterns or colours in lagom interiors. Instead, buy furniture in whites, greys, pastels and earthy hues. Use different tones to build up layers and warmth. If you want to add another element, you can incorporate natural materials into the colour scheme such as a sofa with a timber frame or cushions made out of fabric with a textural weave.

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Make the most of your space

Lagom is a practice which ensures every item you own has a purpose, and you don’t end up with too much clutter. This means you need to make the most of the space you have and you can do this by investing in furniture which has multiple functions. This sofa can be turned into a day bed or chaise while this sleek coffee table with slender tops can be raised to create the perfect height for afternoon tea. 

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Choose quality

Consciously shop for items which bring you joy and add beauty to the space rather than buying trendy accessories which will only last for a season. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses — we love Jardan, a Melbourne-based company with retail stores in each major Australian city. But if you can’t afford a high-quality sofa, then hit up op shops and garage sales — you’d be surprised what people either donate or are willing to resell for an affordable price.

Go green

Lagom is not just about aesthetics, it’s the careful practice of using only what you need. This is why lagom interior designers favour sustainability. Swap out regular lightbulbs for a more energy efficient type such as LED while ensuring (wherever possible) any new products you buy are sustainably sourced and ethically-made.

Click here to find out more about lagom’s cousin, hygge.